2017/12/24

The Santa Claus we all know and love — that big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard — didn’t always look that way.

In 1931 the Coca Cola Company began placing Coca-Cola ads in popular magazines. Archie Lee, wanted the campaign to show a wholesome Santa who was both realistic and symbolic. So Coca-Cola commissioned Michigan-born illustrator Haddon Sundblom to develop advertising images using Santa Claus — showing Santa himself, not a man dressed as Santa.

From 1931 to 1964, Coca-Cola advertising showed Santa delivering toys (and playing with them!), pausing to read a letter and enjoy a Coke, visiting with the children who stayed up to greet him, and raiding the refrigerators at a number of homes. The original oil paintings Sundblom created were adapted for Coca-Cola advertising in magazines and on store displays, billboards, posters, calendars and plush dolls. Many of those items today are popular collectibles.

2017/12/23

Okay Okay I admit that I have a fetish for Ralph Lauren Stores how they are styled and decorated makes me smile. I found these picture on the site of Kent Gould they are the architects of this store in Short Hills, NJ, built in 2014. The Men’s store at Polo Ralph Lauren in Short Hills was a 3,500 SF project completed in two phases. The shop contains eight main rooms showcasing apparel and accessories, two cash wraps, three fitting rooms, and a back of house area.

2017/12/16

Launched earlier this year by Team U.S.A. rower and archaeologist Jack Carlson, Rowing Blazers is joining forces with an eclectic group of collaborators for its Boston clubhouse: ’90s-themed skate brand Paterson League; cult vintage shop Wooden Sleepers; and GREATS x F.E. Castleberry sneakers. This is one unique pop up experience you don’t want to miss! Their New York City pop up earlier this season had lines down the block and sold out of the brands iconic rugby shirts.

Owner Jack remarks, “I grew up in Boston, going to Niketown and Rugby Ralph Lauren on Newbury Street. So when we got a lead on this space, it just felt right. It’s like going home. I’m excited to have Paterson joining us too. In some ways, it’s such a different vibe; but at the same time I think German (founder of Paterson) and I are so on the same wavelength. We’re both young, scrappy brands inspired by vintage and by our own personal experiences.”